Pages

Disclaimer

This is my personal blog. I am an Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and responsible for its content. Stampin' Up! does not endorse the use of or contents of the classes, services, or non-Stampin' Up! products I may offer here.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Jacob came home from school yesterday with a cool homework assignment. He had to make a holiday card for his book buddy. Do you think he is in the right house for THAT, or what?

LOL

At his school the 3rd and 4th graders have 1st and 2nd grade book buddies...they get together about once a week, and the older kids read to the younger kids. It's a great program, and really is designed to help the older kids practice their fluency.

So, he was pretty excited about making a card. He picked his stamp set (Punch Pals) and his cardstock colors (Pacific Point and Whisper White). All I did was cut the cardstock for him.

He knew to stamp it in Stazon Jet black, and he used the Stampin Write Markers to color it in.

Take a look:

Didn't he do an awesome job? We're not sure if his book buddy celebrates Christmas, so we stayed with a general winter theme.

I was so proud when he said "oh, I have to clean my stamps" and proceeded to do just that, and then put them away.

Monday, December 20, 2010

and I didn't finish my cards! LOL. So, I didn't get to make ALL of my cards this year. I had the best intentions, and every year I swear I am going to start sooner. But here we are again, with only a few days until Christmas...and I've only managed to make about 40 cards. I may sneak in a few more but I also might send out a Hallmark or two (or twenty...)

So let me share with you the ones I did manage to make....

This one came together pretty quickly. The card base is Crumb Cake. I stamped the Snowflake in the background from Winter Post using Versamark Ink. A strip of Deck The Halls Designer Paper and Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon across the middle. The Holly is from Peaceful Seasons (a Level 2 Hostess Set). The ornament was inked in Cherry Cobbler, then punched out with the Ornament Punch and popped up on dimensionals. I added a small Rhinestone to the ornament for just a little bling.

Now this one took a bit longer....

The card base is Cherry Cobbler, with a 2" strip of Always Artichoke that had been run through the Big Shot using the Petals a Plenty Embossing Folder. A strip of Early Espresso Satin Ribbon runs across the middle.

The tag was cut to 2 1/2" x 4" and layered with Early Espresso. Dasher was inked in Early Espresso and stamped on the Whisper White tag. I used a piece of Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon at the top of the tag. There are a few layers at the bottom of the tag - starting with a small piece of Always Artichoke that was punched with the Scallop Edge Punch, and layered with a 3/4" strip of Cherry Cobbler, and a touch of Victoria Crochet Ribbon (God I love that stuff...)

I added a button from the Deck The Halls Jumbo Buttons in the Holiday Mini and threaded it with Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon.

Thanks for stopping by today! I am so sorry for the lack of posts. I am not even CLOSE to being ready for Christmas. Nothing is wrapped, and there is so much left to do, including coming up with a craft for my son's 3rd grade class. I should be able to whip something up quickly - I mean, I have a whole stamp room full of this stuff! LOL. I will share what I come up with - - - I am thinking something snowman related...maybe a bookmark? Hmmmm....

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

I just love love LOVE this Level 2 Hostess Set in the Holiday Mini, Peaceful Season.

The script is beautiful and has 2 greetings - Peace on Earth and Seasons Greetings.

Here is the 2nd Card my Monthly Stamp Group made this past week!

It's such an easy card to make, but it's so elegant! The card base is Soft Suede Cardstock.

We then inked the Vintage Wallpaper Embossing folder with Crumb Cake ink (using the brayer) on one side - then put a 1/4 piece of Whisper White cardstock in the folder and ran in through the Big Shot. The results are gorgeous! It give a very antique look to the embossed cardstock.

The holly and berries were inked using Old Olive and Cherry Cobbler markers. The greeting was stamped in Basic Black. The edges are all sponged with Crumb Cake ink. A touch of Very Vanilla Seam Binding Ribbon finishes it all off.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

I wanted to share with you a card that we made at my Monthly Stamp Group this past week.

It's a super cute card, but I can't take credit - I cased this card from my sweet friend and fellow demonstrator, Deb Naylor (Hi Deb!).

This cute little guy is from the stamp set Jolliest Time of the Year. The card base is Whisper White, layered with Basic Black and Real Red that was embossed with the Perfect Polka Dot Embossing Folder. The ribbon is the 1 - 1/2" Basic Black Stripped Grosgrain Ribbon, with a small piece of Real Red Satin Ribbon.

Santa was stamped in Jet Black Stazon, and colored in with Real Red, Basic Black and Blushing Bride (for his face). 2 Way Glue was added to his hat, coat and beard, then sprinkled with Dazzling Diamonds Glitter.

The gals loved making this little guy. He is really sparkly in person!

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Here is a card that we did at my Christmas Stamp Camp last weekend. I cased this card from another wonderfully talented demonstrator, Catherine Pooler.

The stamp set is called Peaceful Season, and it's a Level 2 Hostess set in the Holiday Mini. I just LOVE the elegant script font on this. There is another greeting in this set with the same font that says Peace on Earth.

It's a pretty simple card, but we used the Big Shot a lot on this one!

The Old Olive base is embossed with the Petals A Plenty embossing folder.

Then we have the greeting that is stamped in Cherry Cobbler ink on a Top Note Die Cut.

The finishing touch are those delicate snowflakes which are made with the Northern Flurry Die Cut. I just love that die! It cuts out a bunch of snowflakes all at once and they are all different shapes and sizes. The only part I don't like it popping out all the little pieces from inside the snowflakes, but it is totally worth it in the end.

The snowflakes all have a Basic Rhinestone in the center just to add a touch of bling.

Thanks for popping in today! I have lots more holiday ideas to share with you. My only problem is finding the time to sit down and write my post! LOL

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Welcome back! I hope you are staying warm this week! It's been in the 20's here in CT! Good weather to stay inside and stamp your holiday cards. :0)

Here is a simple but really cute card. This makes me think of my Grandmother as she loves Cardinals. She is a bird lady - and they all seem to flock to her windows. I will have to send this one to her! :0)

The card base is Cherry Cobbler, that has been embossed with the Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder. The greeting is from the set Four The Holidays and is stamped in Cherry Cobbler. The strip of paper is from the Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper - and it is layered with a scalloped piece of Always Artichoke cardstock.

The bird was punched from the XL Bird Punch - using embossed Cherry Cobbler cardstock and popped up on dimensionals. The ribbon is the Always Artichoke Seam Binding Ribbon from the Holiday Mini.

This is a very simple, cute card. It comes together very quickly. The texture from the embossing folder adds an elegant feel to the card.

Thanks so much for stopping by today! Hope you are having a great week!

Monday, December 6, 2010

Lovely as a Tree has been around forever! But it is such a classic stamp set, and one I reach for often. It makes gorgeous holiday cards, birthday cards, and sympathy cards. I hope it never retires!

This is a simple card but oh, so pretty. The card base is Crumb Cake, with a layer of Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper. The main image is stamped on a tag from the Two Tags Die Cut for the Big Shot.

The background on the tag is En Francois stamped lightly in Soft Suede Ink. The tree was inked up in Always Artichoke CRAFT ink. It has a deeper pigment and stamped over the French background really well. The snow was made using the White Gel Pen, and a little bit of glitter.

The ribbon is Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon that is in the holiday mini. I sponged the edges on all of the Crumb Cake pieces.

I apologize for the lack of posts lately. It's such a busy time of the year and trying to get it all done is a bit difficult! I am sure you can all relate!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

I was just playing around with My Digital Studio and enjoying the newest digital downloads. One of my favorites are is the Autumn Spice Digital kit - which includes some lovely stamps, papers and embellishments.

Here is a quick card I whipped up this morning to share with you. I just love how I can change parts or all of the card/colors/papers to whatever I desire.

I added the Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon and changed out the sentiment. Easy peasy (and super fun to play with). Warning: This program is highly addictive! :)

Have you picked up your copy of MDS yet? Don't delay - it's part of the Online Spectacular this week and it's 50% OFF!

MDS is so much more than just digital scrapbooking! It is TRULY a complete papercrafting solution. You can make cards, calendars, movies, and of course scrapbook pages and photo books.

I was playing with it this week and started working on some holiday photo cards. There are so many amazing templates for holiday cards, or you can create your own from scratch. You really can be as creative (or not) as you want to be.

Now I should mention that you can print from home, or for the best results, use Stampin' Up!'s professional photo print services.

Here are a few of the cards I made this week:

Of course the last one is just for fun. I got to meet the Goo Goo Dolls in October, and you can see how happy I was. I am a little obsessed. LOL. I told them all to smile BIG as I would be using this picture for my holiday cards this year. LOL.

Most of these samples were templates, and all I had to do was drop my picture in. The one all four of us (my family that is) is the one I created from scratch.

To order your copy be sure to click the link in my signature line. It's truly a great deal at 50% OFF!

Monday, November 22, 2010

Holiday Hoopla is a set I overlooked a million times in the catalog! It wasn't until I received a card swap at the Baltimore Regionals that I gave it a second look. It is such a FUN set to stamp with and makes the cutest cards! We used it at our Holiday Stamp A Stack earlier this month and everyone LOVED it. Several of my customers ordered it that day!

Here is the card we made with it at my last Holiday Stamp Camp -

The cardstock base is Ver Vanilla, and layered with Designer Paper from the Jolly Holiday Selection. I know I keep using that paper, but it's just so awesome! All of the designs are so great in there, that you will use up every last scrap!

Santa was stamped in Stazon Jet Black, and I glittered up his hat brim and moustache. His face was colored in using the Blushing Bride Marker. I added a Basic Pearl to the top of his hat.

The greeting is stamped in Cherry Cobbler and punched out with the new Decorative Label Punch. I added it to the card with a couple Stampin' Dimensionals.

So you better be on your best behavior, because the big guy is watching. If you are good, maybe you will get some stamps in your stocking this year. ;0)

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Here is another card that we made on Friday Night at my Holiday Stamp Camp.

The Cardstock Base is Old Olive. I also used the stripped pattern from Jolly Holiday Designer Series Paper.

The ornaments are from the Tags Till Christmas Stamp Set, and inked in Old Olive. I stamped them on Very Vanilla, and added a basic pearl to the center. The center ornament is simply the Cherry Cobbler Polka Dot Designer Paper punched out with the Ornament punch. I hand drew in the string with a Basic Black Marker. The center ornament is also popped up on Stampin' Dimensionals.

Down the side is a lovely piece of Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon (love this stuff!). And then the greeting (from the Curly Cute Stamp Set) is inked in Cherry Cobbler and stamped at the bottom.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

I have had my eye on the Jolly Bingo Bits stamp set in the Holiday Mini for awhile now. The images are so cute and there are SO many of them! It would be a great set to make gift tags with! Well I finally ordered it last week, and I have been having such fun with it. Jacob even stamped a letter to Santa with it already. He inked it up before I did! LOL.

Here is what I came up with:

I didn't go nuts with colors, I wanted it to coordinate. I just used Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler and Early Espresso. The images are punched out with the 1 1/4" square punch, and layered on a scallop square. I don't know if you can see it in the picture but the vanilla piece that the images are backed on is embossed with the Petals A Plenty Embossing Folder. It makes it more Christmassy! :-)

The greeting is also another new set I just got, and its called Cute Cues. I love the curly font!

Super easy card, and too cha cha for words!

I have a Holiday Stamp Camp Friday Night, and this is one of the cards my stamper friends are getting to make!

I hope you are all having a great week! I started a new job this week so there's a little bit of adjusting getting used to the new schedule. So far, so good!

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Renovations are ALMOST done in my Stamp Studio. It's been a long 2 weeks, and I can't wait to have my space back. The ceiling was completed on Saturday, and Ed spent most of today painting it. Now we have to paint the walls, and I have to get new window treatments. But I don't even care about that - I just need my space to work! I am happy to say that I am sitting at a table in my stamp room RIGHT THIS MOMENT,

and I don't even CARE that I am getting loopy from the paint fumes. LOL.

It's been challenging prepping for classes and having clubs and camps without the use of this room. But it will all be worth it when it is DONE. The ceiling looks great. If you need a good sheet-rock guy, let me know. MC Drywall out of Bristol is excellent, and he knows his stuff! Tell Mike I sent you! ;)

So, I am prepping for my Holiday Stamp Camp this Friday night. It was originally planned for Saturday, but I had to move it back to Friday night. Sorry for those that it inconvenienced. I had a family conflict and this was the only solution.

Here is a simple but really pretty card we are making Friday night. It uses the Welcome Christmas Stamp Set.

I love the vintage feel to this set. On this card we are using the wreath and the JOY greeting.

The cardstock base is Always Artichoke. The layer is Very Vanilla that was embossed using the Petals A Plenty Embossing Folder. The Wreath was inked in Always Artichoke and stamped on Very Vanilla. I then colored in a few of the berries with a Bravo Burgundy Marker. The JOY greeting was also inked in Bravo Burgundy and stamped over the wreath.

This was really easy to do using the clear stamps/blocks. Lining it up was a cinch, and it turned out perfect on the first try (that NEVER happens...LOL).

I added some of our basic jewels to give a little bling to the card. I used the smallest ones and it looks so pretty in person. I backed the main image with Bravo Burgundy Cardstock.

Easy peasy, and no ribbon! How about that! That MUST be a first for me! I use ribbon on EVERYTHING! LOL

I start a new job tomorrow, and I am so excited about it. Still part time, but closer to home and more consistent hours. So, if you don't hear from me much this week, you will know why! LOL.

This project is one I have done before, but it was many years ago. I never seem to have the time to get it back on my calendar. People request it time and again.

It is the Album in a Box project.

This project is so amazing, and never fails to delight all who open the box. Are you a scrapbooker? Wouldn't you love a special handmade gift to give to parents, grandparents, family and friends this year?

It is a keepsake that will be cherished for years to come. It is coffee table worthy!

I used the gorgeous, vintage Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper and Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler and Very Vanilla cardstock, along with coordinating ribbon and designer brad.

Here is the outside view:

Here is the top view:

Now the magic begins when you lift the lid off the box. Out spills a mini album, with room for 20 pictures.

Each panel flips over to reveal more pictures on the underside. I loaded mine up with pictures from Christmas's past, when my kids were small. It warms my heart to look at my little munchkins so small excited for Santa!

Thursday, November 4, 2010

So what do you think of my new blog design? I love it! I highly recommend Michelle from Laycock Designs. She is so great! I just told her the colors I wanted (Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso and Pear Pizzazz) and the style (shabby, vintage) and she went to work.

It was time for a new update, don't you think? ;-)

Today I am sharing a quick card, as it is constructionville over here....we are having some work done in my stamp room...the ceiling is being ripped out and the door is being replaced. It's a mess right now, but it will be great when it's done.

Here is my favorite little stamp, Dasher.

The card is Early Espresso, embossed with the Petals a Plenty embossing folder. Then there is a strip of Deck the Halls down the center. I added a bow with the Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon that is in the Holiday Mini Catalog.

The greeting is stamped in Cherry Cobbler ink on Crumb Cake Cardstock and punched out with the wide oval punch.

Thanks for stopping by today! If you are coming to the Stamp A Stack, it is this SUNDAY NOVEMBER 7th fro m1 -5 PM. You will receive an email tomorrow with the details.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Sorry for being away so long. As usual, it's been a bit hectic at Casa Mongeon. Tonight being Halloween, I figured I'd better get a post up for November 1.

We have been so busy - me with Stamp Classes, Stamp Camps and Workshops...Emily and Jacob with school activities (church school, boy scouts, etc...) and Ed with LEAVES. Did you know there are exactly 25 maple trees in my back yard? I kid you not. It's a PITA in the fall...for those who don't speak code, that would be Pain In The A....). My poor hubby has spent HOURS upon HOURS out there every weekend. It is definitley a priority to take a few of these trees out in the spring!

Anyway, I am in my stamp room creating the cards that my Stamp Group will be making this month. It's November, and it's time to get working on the HOLIDAY CARDS!

Each month I have stampers over who make 4 cards (2 designs, 2 of each). Each month we focus on different occasions. We love to have new people join us, so if you would like to stamp with a great bunch of gals (and have me for your instructor) then drop me a note. I need a few days notice if you are joining us so that I can prepare the proper amount of materials. :0)

The groups gather on the 1st Tuesday evening of the month at 7 PM, and another groups meets the 2nd Saturday of the month at 10 AM.

Ok, onto the cards.

The first one uses the stamp set Welcome Christmas. I love the Vintage feel to this set. It reminds me of old time Christmases (like when I was a kid...I guess that makes me "vintage" too...LOL).

The cardstock base is Early Espresso. The layer is Cherry Cobbler, embossed with the Vintage Wallpaper folder. The holly swag is stamped in Always Artichoke, and Cherry Cobbler berries were made with the marker. The family is stamped in Early Espresso and the greeting is Cherry Cobbler. A few gold brads in each corner, and some sponging add to the vintage feel.

The next one is using the set Greeting Card Kids. I call them the Campbell Soup Kids. LOL

I just love all the images, but the little girl pulling the tree in her sled is my favorite!

The cardstock base is Baja Breeze, embossed with the Norther Frost Embossing folder.

Strips of Whisper white cardstock are torn for the snow. Simply run the 2 way glue across the edge and sprinkle with Dazzling Diamonds glitter! So pretty!

Our little girl is stamped in Jet Black Stazon, and colored in using Blender Pens. The ink Colors are Riding Hood Red, Baja Breeze and Old Olive for the tree. The snowflake at the top is cut from the Northern Flurry Die Cut, and I added a Riding hood Red punched flower to the center, with one of our new adhesive Rhinestones. So cute!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Welcome back! I hope you have been enjoying the sun and the cooler temps! I am so enjoying walking with Bella this week - the foliage is peak right now!

I have been busy in my stamp room getting ready for 2 Holiday Stamp Classes this week.

Tomorrow evening I have a great group of ladies (12 of them!) coming over to stamp! These are a group of friends who all work together and they wanted a private date for their class. I was happy to oblige!

And coming up on Sunday this weekend I have my Christmas in October Stamp Camp. So I killed 2 birds with one stone, and cut a lot of projects all at once this week!

Here are a 2 of the cards we are doing this week -

The first one is my old buddy, Dasher. So glad he is still around. What a great little stamp!

The card base is Old Olive, and the eyelet border is Cherry Cobbler. The strip of paper is the Jolly Holiday Designer Series Paper. I added some of the Cherry Cobbler Ribbon from the Holiday Mini Catalog, and it all coordinates perfectly!

Dasher himself is stamped in Early Espresso and the greeting is stamped in Cherry Cobbler.

I don't know if you can tell, but there is a fine dusting of glitter on his antlers. Simple and cute!

The next one I want to share today is also from the Holiday Mini...and the stamp set is Fireside Christmas. I love the vintage feel to this card. It makes me all warm and cozy. :)

The card base is Crumb Cake (I know, shocking...I only seem to use this on every card I make...LOL). The designer Series Paper is Deck The Halls in the Holiday Mini. Gorgeous, vintage holiday paper! The ribbon is the Always Artichoke seem binging ribbon in the mini also The main image was stamped on Watercolor Paper, and colored in using blender pens and classic ink pads (Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, Soft Suede and So Saffron. The edges were sponged with Soft Suede and the greeting in the lower right corner is also stamped in Soft Suede.

I just had a person give up their space on Sunday for this stamp camp. So, there is one seat available. If you would like to join me, please drop me a note at Stamp4joy@omcast.net.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

This is a repost from last Halloween - I got a few requests to show this video again.

Enjoy!

Hello Stampin' Friends -

About 2 weeks ago I posted these cute treat boxes and promised a video tutorial to show you how to make them. I am so sorry for the delay! I can't believe it's taken me this long to get the video made!

So thanks for being patient, and if you click below you will see the Frankenstein box.I will get the Mummy version uploaded before the end of the week.